Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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"…instead of spending two hours in books, I’m discussing with my guy…": Students’ perspectives on their academic performance in a Ugandan nursing school.
Full text linkBackground
Nurses and midwives constitute 50% of the global health workforce, yet critical shortages, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, limit healthcare delivery. Uganda reports one of the lowest staffing levels globally, with rural districts like Pallisa severely affected. While several educational enablers and barriers have been documented elsewhere, limited evidence exists locally. This study aimed to explore nursing and midwifery students’ perceptions of factors influencing their academic performance in Pallisa.
Methods
This was a qualitative, explorative study that employed focus group discussions (FGDs) with 28 certificate-level nursing and midwifery students at AAMSNM, stratified by year of study. Four FGDs were conducted, and data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. Audio recordings were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify institutional, teacher-related, and student-related factors influencing academic performance.
Results
Students identified a range of barriers to academic performance, including limited access to skills labs, power outages, strict institutional policies, and overlapping academic schedules. Teacher-related challenges such as fast-paced instruction, incomplete syllabus coverage, and lack of guidance were commonly reported. Personal factors like poor time management, exam-related stress, smartphone and romantic distractions, and inadequate preparation also emerged as critical issues. Positive contributors to academic success included peer group discussions, tutor engagement via WhatsApp, clinical exposure, and supportive administrative adjustments such as flexible exam policies and access to Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Academic performance among nursing students is shaped by multifactorial challenges, many of which are modifiable. Addressing institutional constraints, enhancing teacher-student interaction, and promoting student-centered academic support systems can significantly improve student outcomes. Peer collaboration, structured exam preparation, and emotional support mechanisms are also vital in fostering success.
Recommendations
Academic institutions need to invest in mentorship, digital learning tools, and flexible academic structures to support students’ academic and emotional well-being
Determinants of obesity among adults aged 35 to 65 years attending Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV, Mityana District. A cross-sectional study.
Full text linkBackground
In Uganda, the prevalence of obesity among adults has been steadily increasing, reaching an estimated prevalence of 29% in urban areas and 14.3% in rural settings. The purpose of the study was to assess the determinants of obesity among adults aged 35 to 65 years attending Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV in Mityana District.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used employing quantitative methods of data collection and was conducted in Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV. In 4 days, 33 adults were selected using a simple sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and it involved closed-ended questions. The data collected was analyzed manually, and the findings were entered into Microsoft Excel 2013, which was then presented in the form of tables, pie-charts, and graphs.
Results
Out of 33 participants, 30.3% were aged 45-49 years, and more than half (58%) were females. For individual determinants, over half (64%) were rarely exercising, more than half (55%) were taking sugary drinks daily, and 85% overate when stressed. Concerning health facility determinants, more than half (58%) health workers could sometimes support them in addressing their weight management issues, all (100%) didn’t have weight management programs and (52%) could wait for a very long time and socio-cultural determinants, (64%) large body size was perceived as a sign of wealth and (94%) had a family history of obesity.
Conclusion
Obesity among adults was driven by poor lifestyle choices, limited healthcare support, cultural perceptions, and genetic predisposition; hence, the need for clear interventions.
Recommendation
Promote regular physical activity, reduce sugary drink intake, establish accessible weight management programs, educate communities on healthy body image, and improve health facility support services
Sabotage, silence, and siloed teaching: A case study on the effects of professional jealousy in university departments. A qualitative case study design.
Full text linkBackgroundProfessional jealousy in academic institutions is a subtle yet destructive force that can compromise collaboration, erode morale, and ultimately affect teaching and learning quality. In university departments, it may manifest as sabotage, exclusion, or the withholding of knowledge, resulting in siloed teaching practices and fragmented academic cultures. This study investigates how professional jealousy affects interpersonal dynamics, teamwork, and academic productivity within a South African university department.
Methods
A qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on one academic department in a South African university. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 academic staff members, purposively selected for their experience in teaching and departmental administration. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns of professional jealousy and their impact on collegial relationships, curriculum delivery, and institutional culture.
Results
Three dominant themes emerged: (1) Sabotage and Undermining, where colleagues deliberately withheld resources or information to limit others' success; (2) Silence and Exclusion, involving non-participation in team teaching or refusal to collaborate; and (3) Siloed Academic Practice, where lecturers operated independently, resisting integration or interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants reported feeling emotionally drained, professionally isolated, and demotivated. These dynamics often disrupted curriculum coherence and discouraged innovation in teaching.
Conclusion
Professional jealousy within university departments fosters a toxic work environment that weakens academic cooperation and negatively impacts student learning. When unchecked, it perpetuates isolation and impedes institutional transformation goals.
Recommendations
Universities should implement structured conflict resolution and team-building programs, encourage transparent promotion and recognition systems, and establish departmental codes of conduct. Leadership should actively monitor interpersonal dynamics and promote a culture of shared success and academic integrity to mitigate the effects of professional jealousy
Uncivil academics: A qualitative case study on the impact of collegial breakdown on team teaching and student engagement.
Full text linkAbstractCollegiality among academic staff is a cornerstone of effective higher education delivery, particularly in team-teaching environments. However, breakdowns in collegial relationships, manifested through incivility, lack of communication, and mistrust, can negatively affect collaborative teaching strategies and diminish student engagement. This study examines the impact of deteriorating professional relationships among faculty members on team teaching and student experiences in a South African university context.
MethodsA qualitative case study design was employed at a South African university between February and April 2022. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A purposive sample of 18 participants was selected: 12 academic staff involved in team-taught modules and 6 final-year undergraduate students enrolled in those modules. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach, was used to identify patterns in experiences related to collegiality, pedagogical collaboration, and classroom engagement.
ResultsOf the 12 academic staff participants, 7 were male and 5 female, with an average of 11 years of teaching experience (range 6–18 years). The student group included 4 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 22 years. Findings revealed that 9 of 12 staff reported recurring tensions, poor communication, and unresolved conflicts that disrupted coordinated teaching efforts. These breakdowns led to inconsistencies in lecture content delivery, unclear role allocations, and a lack of mutual support. Students reported a decline in class coherence, conflicting feedback from instructors, and reduced interest in the learning material. Overall, collegial breakdown was found to contribute to fragmented teaching and lower student engagement levels.
ConclusionCollegial breakdowns undermine the integrity and effectiveness of team teaching, leading to disjointed course delivery and student dissatisfaction.
RecommendationInstitutions should establish conflict resolution platforms, enforce codes of collegial conduct, and provide professional development workshops on teamwork and academic civility to foster sustainable collaboration
The ethical boundaries of postgraduate supervision: Navigating influence, coercion, and academic integrity. A qualitative multi-case study.
Full text linkBackgroundPostgraduate supervision is a critical academic relationship that shapes the scholarly development and professional identity of emerging researchers. However, ethical tensions, such as coercion in co-authorship, unbalanced power dynamics, and compromised academic integrity, can challenge the quality and fairness of this relationship. Despite growing concerns, limited research has examined the lived experiences of both students and supervisors in navigating these ethical boundaries within South African higher education. This study explores how postgraduate supervision practices uphold or undermine ethical standards in this context.
MethodsA qualitative multi-case study design was employed across two South African public universities between February and April 2025. A purposive sample of 24 participants was selected, comprising 14 postgraduate students (8 Master’s, 6 PhD) and 10 supervisors from the faculties of Science, Humanities, and Education. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions.
ResultsThree key themes emerged: (1) Power Asymmetry and Implicit Coercion in Publication Authorship, where students reported feeling compelled to include supervisors as co-authors regardless of contribution; (2) Lack of Transparency in Expectations and Assessment, with both parties citing unclear guidelines regarding supervision roles; and (3) Institutional Silence on Ethical Breaches, where misconduct often went unaddressed due to weak policy enforcement. Social demographics showed that students ranged in age from 24 to 42 years (mean = 32), with 9 females and 5 males, while supervisors ranged from 38 to 61 years (mean = 49), with 6 males and 4 females.
ConclusionEthical lapses in supervision are often rooted in systemic failures, including poor governance, policy gaps, and unaddressed power imbalances. These issues undermine student autonomy and academic integrity.
RecommendationsUniversities should enforce robust ethical supervision policies, mandate ethics training for supervisors, and implement transparent co-authorship agreements
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV among university students: A comparative cross-sectional study of residents vs. off-campus students.
Full text linkBackgroundHIV remains a major public health concern among young adults, particularly within higher education settings. University students’ living arrangements, whether residing on-campus or off-campus, can significantly influence their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to HIV prevention and care. This study aimed to compare HIV-related KAP between students living in university residences and those residing off-campus.
MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted at a South African university between October 2021 and January 2022. Using stratified random sampling, 400 undergraduate students were selected, comprising 200 on-campus and 200 off-campus residents. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated KAP questionnaire covering HIV knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviours, and access to services. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 21.4 years (SD = 2.1); 52% were female and 48% male. On-campus students demonstrated significantly higher HIV knowledge scores (mean 78%) compared to off-campus students (mean 63%) (p < 0.01). Positive attitudes toward HIV prevention were reported by 85% of on-campus students, compared to 68% of off-campus students (p < 0.05). Risky sexual behaviours, including inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners, were more prevalent among off-campus students (42%) than those on campus (25%) (p < 0.01). Engagement with campus-based HIV education programs was notably lower among off-campus students (34%) versus on-campus students (76%) (p < 0.001).
ConclusionLiving arrangements significantly influence HIV-related KAP among university students, with off-campus students at greater risk due to lower knowledge levels and limited program engagement.
RecommendationTargeted HIV outreach for off-campus students, coupled with partnerships with community health organizations, is essential to ensure equitable access to prevention and care
Bridging boundaries: advancing digital equity and innovation through blended learning in global higher education. A cross-sectional study at Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Full text linkBackgroundBlended learning has become a vital approach in global higher education, especially in the post-pandemic era. At Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), this model is seen as a potential tool to bridge digital divides and promote innovation in teaching and learning. However, many students still face challenges related to digital access, which affects their academic participation and success.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at MUT to examine the experiences of students and staff with blended learning. Data were collected through an online survey from 180 participants, including 140 students (78%) and 40 academic staff (22%). The survey explored access to devices and the internet, digital skills, and perceptions of blended learning’s impact on equity and learning quality.
Results
Most student participants (65%) were from rural or township areas. About 45% reported difficulty accessing a stable internet, while 39% lacked personal laptops or tablets. Despite these challenges, 68% of students said blended learning helped them manage their time better and access recorded content at their own pace. Only 35% of students felt confident using digital learning platforms without support. Staff reported limited training in blended learning methods but recognized its potential to reach more students effectively.
Conclusion
Blended learning has opened new opportunities for flexible and inclusive education at MUT, but gaps in digital access and readiness continue to affect student participation. A greater focus on student-centred support is needed.
Recommendations
The university should expand access to affordable devices and the internet, provide ongoing digital skills training, and ensure that blended learning platforms are accessible and easy to use. Empowering students with the necessary tools and support is crucial for advancing digital equity and promoting educational success
Peculiar case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Case report
Full text linkBackground
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without any detectable intracranial mass or hydrocephalus. It typically presents in women of childbearing age and may manifest with symptoms like headache, visual disturbances, and papilledema. While the aetiology remains unknown, several systemic factors such as obesity, endocrine abnormalities, renal dysfunction, and hypertension have been associated with worsening of the clinical presentation and complexity in management.
Case presentation
A 36-year-old female with a known history of hypertension presented with persistent headache and visual complaints. On clinical examination, her blood pressure was markedly elevated at 220/110 mmHg. Laboratory evaluation showed deranged renal function with blood urea at 85 mg/dL and serum creatinine at 4.8 mg/dL. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral papilledema. Neuroimaging was promptly performed to rule out intracranial mass lesions or venous thrombosis, which confirmed the diagnosis of IIH.
Multidisciplinary input from nephrology, neurology, and ophthalmology was essential to manage the complex interplay between intracranial hypertension, hypertension, and renal compromise.
Conclusion
This case highlights an uncommon presentation of IIH in a patient with coexisting renal dysfunction and severe hypertension. While IIH is generally idiopathic, systemic factors can contribute significantly to its manifestation and prognosis. Renal dysfunction, in particular, not only complicates the use of first-line therapies like carbonic anhydrase inhibitors but also may be independently associated with altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and increased intracranial pressure
Comparative assessment of tobacco use patterns and determinants among urban slum and non-slum dwellers in Vijayawada city: A community-based cross-sectional study.
Full text linkBackground: Tobacco use remains a major public health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, especially among urban slum populations where socio-economic disparities prevail. Understanding the determinants and patterns of tobacco consumption in diverse urban settings is critical for effective tobacco control strategies.
Objectives: To assess and compare the determinants and patterns of tobacco use among adult male slum and non-slum dwellers of Vijayawada city.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 2008 participants (1215 non-slum and 793 slum residents) in Vijayawada. A multistage random sampling technique was used. Data on socio-demographic profile, tobacco use habits, and influencing factors were collected through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of ever tobacco users was 35.3%, with current tobacco use at 30.7%. Tobacco use was significantly higher among males (39.5%) than among females (21.5%) (p < 0.001). Slum residents exhibited a higher prevalence of current use (32.9%) compared to non-slum residents (29.3%). Smoking-only habits were predominant (58.5%), but dual use (15.7%) and smokeless tobacco use (26.0%) were notable among females. Illiteracy (50.2%), low socio-economic status (Class V, 44.5%), and occupation as labourers (58.8%) were strongly associated with higher tobacco use. Initiation of tobacco use before 20 years was common (59.2%). Social influence from family (63.2%) and peers (74.5%) was significant, though 85.9% of users were aware of health hazards.
Conclusion: Tobacco use patterns are deeply entrenched in socio-economic, educational, and cultural contexts, with slum dwellers and disadvantaged groups exhibiting higher prevalence. Early initiation and strong social influences underscore the need for targeted interventions.
Recommendations: Strengthen community-level education, enforce policy measures, and integrate tobacco cessation programs with socio-economic upliftment schemes for slum populations to reduce the tobacco burden
Antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from raw milk sold in coolers in Kawuku, Entebbe, Wakiso district.
Full text linkBackground:
Milk is an essential animal-derived food that provides proteins, vitamins, and minerals vital for human growth and metabolism. However, raw milk is a major vehicle for foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to determine the resistance patterns of pathogenic bacterial species in raw milk sold in coolers in Kawuku Entebbe Wakiso District.
Methodology:
This laboratory-based cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in raw milk sold from coolers in Kawuku. A total of 20 raw milk samples were aseptically collected from selected milk stalls between January and February 2025 and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial identification was carried out through culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines.
Results:
Staphylococcus saprophyticus (23.3%) and Escherichia coli (16.7%) were the most prevalent pathogens, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis (10.0% each). Other bacteria, including S. aureus, E. faecalis, and Citrobacter freundii, were also detected in varying proportions. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high resistance to Cefoxitin (CX5), Tetracycline (TE30), and Penicillin G (P10), while Ciprofloxacin (CIP5), Vancomycin (VA30), and Levofloxacin (LEV15) exhibited higher efficacy. Resistance patterns varied significantly across organisms and media types, with Gram-negative isolates showing more resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Raw milk sold in Kawuku is contaminated with multiple pathogenic bacteria exhibiting significant antimicrobial resistance.
Recommendation:
Further molecular-level studies are recommended to understand the genetic mechanisms driving resistance